Extra! Extra! (1.26)
There's less stuff these days about 81... but there's still stuff. Who do you like more, Wilt or Kobe? Still the argument about whether it's good basketball (this cat obviously wasn't entertained). Others say you can score 81 without having character. Of course, you may get called a hater even if you don't. Vince Carter insists his previous comments were being blown up of context, and he's got nothing but love for the 81 (For what it's worth, AK was at the Nets-Clips game last night and heard Carter addressing this. He sounded sincere. It doesn't remove the undeniable irony of Vinsanity even fretting team play's future, considering how he admittedly often dogged it during his Toronto dog days. He'd have been smarter not to even go there, but likely was never trying to diss Kobe.) And with that in mind, read Jalen Rose's comments carefully before crying "Kobe-basher!"
Meanwhile, Chris Mihm probably will never score 81 (not unless the refs allow him about 30 fouls), but that doesn't mean he's not making his mark. In fact, PJ really likes what he sees when the righty goes lefty with the hookie. He'd like to see himself become a double-double machine, the key word being "machine," meaning "on a regular, consistent basis."
(photo by Wen Roberts/AFP)
Wow. Wilt picked up 55 rebounds in a game, PLAYING AGAINST BILL RUSSELL. Man, that's hard to beat.
That would be like Kobe scoring 60 points, against Michael Jordan. Wow.
Wilt was the man.
That much said, I really hate Kobe-haters. They're like little Pommerianians yapping at your heals. Completely annoying.
Maybe that's why Kobe owns a pack of Pommerianians, to numb him of the constant yapping of insane haters.
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | January 26, 2006 at 09:15 AM
Did I miss it? How could something so big slip by me? I’m on the internet daily, trying to current with my NBA news. As a Lakers’ fan living in the Midwest, I do my best to remain up-to-date on all of the hot Laker stories. Yet it would seem as though the hottest of stories has slipped by me without a trace. The strangest thing is that even now, I can’t seem to find the article or late breaking news to confirm the story. You would think that LA Times, LA Daily News or Orange County Register would have the story, but I can’t even find it there. How could I have missed it? I mean, this is retirement! This is not say, Chris Dudley. A retirement by him is news, but yet it pales in comparison to this. It would seem by the stories I have read the past few days that this is even bigger than just 1 player, it also involves a coach. How could a story so big coming from the biggest NBA market center, not be the hottest topic out there? I mean a recent NBA accomplishment has been the hottest topic in the media since it happened Sunday. Yet this story isn’t mentioned? I’m confused.
I would imagine that by now, so are you, so allow me to clarify my confusion. It would appear that based on some recent articles that I have read the past couple of days, that Kobe Bryant has announced his immediate retirement in light of his recent 81 point total in a single game. I know you probably have several questions right now, as do I, but wait there is more. Apparently, Phil Jackson has decided to forgone the remainder of his 3-Year contract and retire once again effective immediately. I know what you are thinking, “Where did I find a story like this?” I have been searching and searching and I can’t find anything to substantiate this story. However, it must be true, or else it would mean that the articles I have found and the comments I have heard post-81 are totally inaccurate and idiotic (in my professional opinion).
I mean, I continue to read articles and hear comments stating that reaching 81 with a potential to reach 101 is about all Kobe Bryant has in his unforeseeable NBA future. Apparently, winning any more championships, which according to these same NBA-commentators is the only way to ever reach consideration for Best Ever, is never going to happen. Either someone has purchased an infallible crystal ball on EBay, or this must be Kobe Bryant’s last year in the league. Do you see my dilemma? I, by no means, profess to have the ability to see the future and determine the extent of possibilities that exist for anyone including myself, however, someone sure appears to have that ability.
By now you should be able to tell that I am simply using this elaborate discourse to hopefully make a point concerning the recent articles (mostly critical ones) concerning Kobe Bryant. Whether it is an editorial about “The Dangers and Results of Selfishness” or an impromptu self-help manual on “The Art of Restoring a Shattered Image” everyone, and I mean, EVERYONE appears to have their “5 cents” (inflation rates) to include. Obviously, I even have mine, which as you can see, I have no problem sharing (sorry for the lengthiness, I’m almost finished). However, this process of reaching a conclusion when only a few facts have been received has got to stop. It’s not just something I see as it relates to this situation, it happens all over. People are always quick to not only pass judgment, but to tally right off, someone at the first sign of confusion.
John Elway was criticized for the majority of his career enduring comments and even some harsh jokes involving his inability to win a Super bowl. Then, he won 2 and retired. Suddenly, the man that couldn’t do “anything right,” did the biggest thing right, twice. Today, he is only praised because of what he accomplished the LAST 2 years of his NFL career. Anything mentioned about the previous years is shaded by the 2 Super Bowls.
Right now, it would appear that the only thing that would change the public perception of Kobe Bryant indefinitely would be a string (approximately 4) championship rings before he retires. Apparently, every argument against him seems to some how gravitate and revolve around that 1 item on his resume. Sure he has 3, but with the huge asterisk of Shaquille O’Neal next to them, it really lessons their significance. However, 4, therefore meaning a total of 7, would place him in a league by himself…..or at least leave him out there with Bill Russell….Mr. Championship. That seems almost insurmountable, however, unless he has decided to retire, there is still time. My contention is that, we should give him the benefit of the doubt until otherwise proven. To do otherwise, only demonstrates the biased opinion of the critic himself, while only offering more ammunition for both Kobe and his supporters in his accomplishing it. As for the current roster not having what it takes…..that may be true but not for certain. The Chicago Bulls lost to the Pistons a few years with Michael, Scottie, and Horace, before they won the championship. They never changed those 3 individuals, they simply just got better. To subscribe to the belief that players can’t get better, totally attempts to degrade the significance of the off-season (and Kobe Bryant himself).
Well, that is my 5 cents. BK & AK, sorry for using up so much space, but it takes me a while to address a topic. I really should work on having my own blog (Oh-Oh, that sounds like a Kobe Bryant comment, lol!!!).
Posted by: JJ | January 26, 2006 at 09:17 AM
K Brothers,
It's obvious that the Lakers would like to pick up someone special to compliment Kobe (and hopefully Lamar) in the next two seasons.
Honestly, who do you think are the most likely candidates that the Lakers COULD pick up?
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | January 26, 2006 at 09:17 AM
Hello, It’s me again. I promise to make this post much shorter than my previous one. I have been reading some recent reports concerning the Artest situation in relation to the Lakers, coupled with comments about their potential (lack there of) in reaching a championship (or maybe even the playoffs) this year. First, let me state that Ron Artest is the kind of player (personality and past history accounted) that, as a fan, you never really should want before you have him, but should be glad you have him when you do. What do I mean? Ron is an unusually complicated player, he offers so much, however, he risk just as much or greater. Phil Jackson seemed to be willing to take that risk which isn’t really surprising. A commanding coach, with a commending presence, believes that he/she can mold a player into their system, or adjust their system to fit a player. They are willing to take a risk on a player when the potential calculated success is high enough. That is why Chuck Daly and Phil Jackson were successful with Dennis Rodman, but why Del Harris wasn’t. Larry Brown and Greg P. could have been successful with Dennis, but they may not have thought it to be the right direction for the team in San Antonio. Anopther thing to remember is that Chuck Daly had Dennis when he was just the “Worm”. He was very coachable back then. Phil Jackson got him when he was perceived to be highly uncoachable. However, he was championship hungry, which gave them (Phil, MJ, Scottie & Rodman) common ground.
Artest, may or may not, be championship hungry. That would be my first question when determining if he is worth pursuing. My second question would be, what will it cost the team. Rodman didn’t cost the Bulls much if anything since he was a free agent. A free agent Artest would be a great deal for the Lakers but that wasn’t a possibility of the situation. Henceforth, I agree with the Lakers not getting him (whether it was by chose or as a result of uncontrollable factors).
As for the roster and the potential for future championship glory, I believe that the Lakers are closer than many think. One player change or move could vault them into championship contention. What many are not seeing is the unforeseeable future. That sounds crazy to say, but it is true. As Kobe Bryant has improved with each passing year, I believe that several of the others can and will as well. Three things must happen for the Lakers to reach championship glory. First, since Kobe has a sizable headstart in the knowledge of both the Triangle Offense and the art of always getting better, the others around him must catch up (in time). Second, sometimes, in order to win a championship, you have to give up the wrong players to get to the right conclusion. For instance, I considered lettering go of both Eddie Jones and Elden Campbell for Glen Rice and JR Reid to be a bad move at the time, yet the FOLLOWING year, the team won a championship…..so it resulted in positive things. Further progression opf that move led to JR being let go, and Rice being shipped to Seattle for Horace Grant the following year. This resulted in a second title. The following year, Horace left, but the Lakers won anyway. In essence, the Lakers were left with no parts of that situation, yet they had 3 titles. Strange, but that is sometimes how it works. I said that to say that worrying about retaining any parts of the Shaquille situation should not be the main objective when looking to a championship. I’m not saying that they should get rid of Lamar, but I am saying that worrying about the trade off of Shaq can’t be a factor in the decision. Thirdly, with Kobe doing the things he is currently, he just may attract the right guy to come in a work with this team and help to get them to a championship. Some (most) believe that Kobe detracts players from coming; however, I believe that any player detracted by Kobe, isn’t the right player to fit the future plans. Not just anybody could have played with Michael. He demanded too much, and most would have had a problem with being the second guy on the team. Sure looking at it now, it would appear to be ideal. However, how many times would it take to get into a fist fight with him, before getting tired and leaving? The same is true with Kobe. Only the right guys will work. Devean George appears to be one of the right guys seeing as how he is still there and still happy.
5 more cents from JJ.
Posted by: JJ | January 26, 2006 at 09:18 AM
OK so Kobe's image has a ways to go, and that "ways" is to the finals. The one subject Simers knows intimately is being disliked. He'd feel lonely if Kobe crosses back into the universally loved category. I bet Kobe's numbers [like vs dislike] weren't much better than 50% when he was on TV every other commercial. Let's get back to winnning basketball games... remember that?
Posted by: Vman | January 26, 2006 at 09:24 AM
TJ SIMMERS - Kobe Bryant, the role model? No thanks. Just play basketball. Score a ton of points, aggravate Phil Jackson, score some more, and give the granddaughter a break, and just shut up.
TJ Haters a role model - no thanks. Not with all that BS that he constantly publishes. Of course Kobe is going to say things that he feels people would want him to say. He will never win with you!
He says things that are aimed at helping youths; you bash him!
He says something that you feel is wrong; you bash him.
TJ - stop writing garbage and come up with some new stuff. Your bitching is getting old!
Posted by: J. Anaya | January 26, 2006 at 09:24 AM
Kobe as Vader . . . ?
Kobe just can't get any love, despite his 81 points. Here's an excerpt from a post comparing him to Darth Vader:
"I'm not suggesting that Darth Vader is a good moral role model, of course. But I found the parallel intriguing: whatever private redemption Kobe might undertake, his only plausible public role, at least on the court, is to become a single-minded dominator of his opponents. He'll never get credit for being a nice guy anyway."
Here's the full post and ensuing comments:
http://baseballcrank.com/archives2/2006/01/basketball_embr.php
Posted by: Cowan | January 26, 2006 at 09:29 AM
Here's Slate Magazine ripping Kobe:
http://www.slate.com/id/2134853/
The kid just can't get any love.
He might as well just accept the fact that he's become the Barry Bonds of hoops -- loved by the home crowd, hated everywhere else. And like Bonds he should act as if he doesn't give a damn.
Posted by: Lin Ju | January 26, 2006 at 09:33 AM
It's sad that we can't enjoy an amazing accomplishment like 81 without somehow thinking that it must be mutually exclusive with Wilt's 100. Kobe's greatness somehow must be mutually exclusive with Jordan's.
Isn't it possible to enjoy BOTH feats (Kobe's and Wilt's) and to believe BOTH are great players (Kobe and Jordan) without having to denounce one or the other? There are obvious differences that make any comparison apples to oranges. Can't we just enjoy it for pete's sake?!?!
But I understand that most people aren't open minded and clear thinking enough to do that sort of thing.
I think we're missing something VERY important here. If there was any doubt before, clearly Kobe has propelled himself right into the Jordan conversation. He's made it into legitimate consideration, finally. But does everyone forget, Kobe is a kid who at age 17 was promising but extremely erratic, and has the uncanny ability to improve his game year after year. Last year is the ONLY year his game didn't seem to improve, but we allow that because of the huge personal and personnel changes he and the Lakers underwent.
So, Jordan won his 6th ring at age 35, which was probably around the time he was his best ever, right? Can you imagine what Kobe, whose learning curve has not stopped rising, will become in the next EIGHT YEARS that it will take him to reach 35? If Kobe is in the Jordan conversation today, what will we be saying after EIGHT MORE YEARS of growth as a player? That's scary. Why do you think Olympic records continue to be broken, decade after decade? Jordan cannot forever remain the GOAT. Athletes continue to improve over time. Kobe is on his way to somewhere scary, don't you think?
Posted by: will | January 26, 2006 at 09:36 AM
I have liked Chris Mihm from Day 1. Sure, he’s frustrating at times, but he works hard on the floor and that goes a long way with me. I could easily see him averaging a double-double. His well documented foul problems would have to be remedied, but I’ve seen improvement lately, at least with his propensity for loose ball fouls and over the back calls on rebounds. He still needs to move his feet a bit more when switching on the guard in the pick and roll, but that’s easier said than done.
So, a common debate here is the need for a #2 guy to put alongside Kobe. We have thrown out everyone from KG to Pierce to J. O’Neal and of course Artest, but I think the person who makes the most sense for us is Luol Deng from Chicago. I’ve watched the guy play a few games this year and he has incredible offensive abilities. Right now he’s not a 20 point a night guy, although he could very well be if given more playing time, but he will be very soon. The great thing is he is still on a rookie contract that pays about $2.5 this year and maxes out around $3.5 in the next two. There is so much talk of what the Bulls are hoping to do in the offseason with free agents (Peja and Al Harrington keep coming up) since they have so much cap space, but what they desperately lack is size. Their starting center is Mike Sweetney and he’s 6’5”!! Now, I’m sure the first thing you think is that they would want Bynum, and that may be true, but I think that team is sick and tired of young kids after the Chandler-Curry thing, so they might want to take a shot at Mihm or Kwame. I don’t think we should make a trade for him before the deadline unless Bynum was the big we would send if only for the fact that Mihm and Kwame are coming along and I’m not willing to bail on the prospects of this season for the future, I think we can make the playoffs and be dangerous. In the long run you have a 6’8” small forward who can post up, create off the dribble, and who has range to 20 feet. He has extremely long arms which is great on defense, and something Phil covets in a defender. I believe a core of Kobe-LO-Deng and substantial cap space in 2007 is definitely a recipe for success. I’m not sure how ready Chicago would be to deal Deng, but I hear his name come up quite often. They have a desperate need for size/interior defense and we have three guys, who I feel are all tradeable, that fit that bill.
Posted by: Andrew Z | January 26, 2006 at 09:42 AM
I LOVE FLEA'S BLOG!
Very intelligent!
CHECK IT OUT!
http://www.nba.com/blog/blog43.html
Posted by: shaq_hater | January 26, 2006 at 09:49 AM
Jalen is right, and a lot of it has to do with Kobe's past. Unlike Jordan, Kobe isn't loved by many fans. On a GQ issue for January/February, Kobe's on the top ten most hated athlete's list at #5.
But regardless of how critics may bash him in a moments notice, Kobe should still be respected for his accomplishments as a ball player. Kobe scoring 81 points against Toronto or 63 points against Dallas in three quarters is a feat that most basketball athletes today can't even dream to accomplish. Kobe has!
Jalen understands that Kobe's going to have his career nights. And Kobe understands that no matter what he does, critics will turn a positive into a negative. But life goes on for Kobe and regardless of his past allegations in Colorado to being blamed for running Shaquille O'Neal out of town, Kobe still brings it to the court night in and night out. From that, he gets his respect from those who truly love and respect him and that's family and fans.
Posted by: Ron | January 26, 2006 at 09:50 AM
Expected wins vs. actual . . .
One encouraging article was John Hollinger's recent piece for ESPN-Insider on the subject of expected wins/losses.
Hollinger makes the point that some teams are exceedingly lucky, winning far more games than their points scored vs. points allowed would indicate.
Case in point: The Milwaukee Bucks. Using Hollinger's formula for expected wins, the Bucks expected win total is just 15, as opposed to the 21 wins they've actually posted.
Using this same formula -- and I assume I've applied it correctly -- the Lakers' expected win total is 24 wins, better than the 21 wins they've actually posted.
Bottom line, the Lakers are a better team than their record indicates. Hollinger's formula suggests that with a little luck the Lakers record could be 24-17 instead of 22-19.
Also not to be overlooked is the fact that the Lakers have played alot more road games than most teams -- which further suggests that the Lakers are alot better than their record indicates.
Barring injury, it seems clear that the Lakers should win 45-50 games this year. Count on it.
Here's the link to Hollinger's article (subscription required):
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&id=2305512
Posted by: Sammy in Anaheim | January 26, 2006 at 09:52 AM
We might be 81'd out, but its Thursday. It's not over till the fat man sings. Let's watch and hear what Charles have to say tonight on TNT. (hehe, sounds like an advertisement)
Posted by: hardcorelaker | January 26, 2006 at 09:58 AM
Who cares about the image...is all about the game. the only image i care to see, as a Lakers fan, is Kobe holding up another trophy. Then life goes on....
Posted by: hardcorelaker | January 26, 2006 at 10:02 AM
Anyone know a good website that uses bit torrent to search for movies or basketball games files to download?
Posted by: Kev | January 26, 2006 at 10:09 AM
Why don't any of those "ball hogs" critics get it?
IN BASKETBALL, THE PURPOSE ON OFFENSE IS NOT "TO SHARE THE BALL", IT IS "TO PUT THE BALL IN THE BASKET"!!!!!!!
It just so happens that most of the time, sharing the ball gives you the best chance to put the ball in the basket.
SUNDAY NIGHT WAS NOT ONE OF THOSE NIGHTS.
They also imply that well, Kobe always plays that way, but I can easily show you a bunch of games where he did not, e.g. the first time they played Toronto this season.
Ugh. Morons.
Posted by: KB8 Fan | January 26, 2006 at 10:21 AM
Simers' opinion on Kobe is sad.
Bashing Kobe for embracing his being a role model? Give me a break! There's gonna be a whole new generation of Kobe fans coming that will not have any memories of the adversity Kobe went through. These little kids don't care about Colorado, or snitchin' on Shaq, or any of that stuff.
Let Kobe be a role model. He speaks more eloquently than 95% of the league. And he embodies a positive message that all youth should be a part of; hard work. The American dream is based upon hard work, and Kobe is living it to the fullest. Kobe is not negatively influencing the youth of America. Kobe is a positive role model in a world where positive role models come few and far between.
Posted by: Rocky | January 26, 2006 at 10:23 AM
Regarding Chris Mihm: Chris Mihm is really stepping up. He looks so much more fluid and confident than he did at the beginning of the year. His floating hook shot looks real nice.
Reagrding Kobe-Haters & Those Trying to Diminish Kobe's Accomplishment(s): I think its healthy to think of them like San Franciscans. San Francisco hates us. They have their rationalizations, but primarily its just because they are arrogant (which means insecure) and feel threatened by Los Angeles's power and cultural influence. San Francisco is great, but you'll never be able to convince a San Franciscan that anything in Los Angeles is worth a damn. They're so blind. So, too, are Kobe-Haters. Best to smile and nod when they go off about how Los Angeles is the worth place in the Universe. Whatever. They're blinded by their hate.
Kobe is not only a phenomenal, historic player, but he's a cool guy. I like Kobe. I didn't like the drama of the Shaq-Kobe Era, but that's over. I'd love to sit down and play a game of Monopoly with Kobe. I bet it would be fun.
Screw the Haters. They're lame. No need figuring them out. Let 'em be.
Regarding a Different Subject to Talk About: Realistically, guys. Who do you think the Lakers could pick up by 2007? Do you think there's any way in hell that we could get Kevin Garnett? Is that an even moderately realistic asperation?
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | January 26, 2006 at 10:23 AM
oh, I forgot
*KOBE FOR MVP!
*GO LAKERS!
Posted by: shaq_hater | January 26, 2006 at 10:24 AM
Flea's Blog Entry Is Absolutely Correct.
Flea is a real fan. God bless him.
Flea's Blog Entry:
The Basketball Freak
Kobe: That is what he was born to do
listened to the 2nd quarter in a hotel in sydney
was waiting for the laker's d to kick in but had to go out
then, my god, heavens to betsy, heavens to murgatroid
i get a page from anthony saying
kobe scored 81
this is stunning
ya just gotta enjoy it
ya just gotta bask in the glory of it
take a bath in it
after pondering this unbelievable achievement for a couple of days...
it really does take a little time for something like this to settle in
kobe bryant has transcended what human beings are normally capable of
doing
i don't care if another good player in the nba jacked up 44 shots
they still couldn't do it
not when the other teams entire defense is geared towards stopping him
what he has done is extra ordinary
even by the very high standards we judge him by
i believe that this has happened because of a very unique life led by
kobe
the reason that kobe has so many detractors, haters if you will is
not because he is arrogant
not because of the criminal charges against him
not because of his selfish play on the court
not because he won so much and people are jealous, sour grapes
not because he young, rich, good looking, pompous, etc..........
the reason people judge kobe so harshly and are put off by him is the
reason he scored 81 points the other night and is the greatest
basketball player in the world
kobe bryant is a basketball freak
i use the word freak without judgement and, truthfully, as a compliment
to him for his dedication and commitment to fullfilling his destiny
like the greatest artists and athletes and writers and scientists of
all time kobe has worked so diligently in his life to perfect his game
and bring it to the highest level that he has neglected other parts of
his life
kobe is not good at being a warm public figure and he comes off as
aloof, arrogant, calculated......
it is not because he is not a caring good person
he is a great person
it is because he just did not learn those skills of expression
he was too busy becoming a basketball genius
this is a sacrifice that kobe made
it is harder for him to have a different balance in his life than it is
for all his detractors
this is the same for any great artist or philosopher that has ever lived
most of whom were judged harshly
this is a position that god put him in
he has a gift and he has not wasted it
his gift to the world is not to be a feel good public personality
his gift to the world is to express himself on the basketball court
and this is a beautiful thing and he should be applauded for it
not just for his accomplishments but for the the enormous sacrifices he
has made to make this major contribution to our culture
that is why he is so great
part of the reason kobe has turned in the 2nd (1st? 3rd?) greatest
offensive display in basketball history (dont forget cheryl miller
either not just wilt)
is because of the his fall from grace in the public eye
kobe, like every human being on earth has one number one desire in his
life........
to give and receive love
it undoubtedly hurt kobe to be talked about negatively so incessantly
he wanted and wants to explain himself, to let everyone know that
everyone makes mistakes but that he is a loving person and that he has
learned from his mistakes and he loves humanity, loves god, wants to
live for the purpose of putting good energy in the world
his way to do that is not to come on tv with some perfectly composed
feel good tearjerker speech or even a great speech as if he would write
as good as the likes of bob dylan or martin luther king junior
his way to do that is to work even harder, to reach an even higher
level at his craft
that is his way to let us know he loves us
that is his gift to us
that is his way of humbling himself to us
that is what he was born to do
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | January 26, 2006 at 10:27 AM
Flea rocks!
On stage, and on the bloge msg-board!
Posted by: frank Rizzo | January 26, 2006 at 10:35 AM
It's amazing what columnist (or spin doctors,) will do to atract attention! I read the acticle on Jalen Rose, by Mike Mcgraw. http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/sportsstory.asp?id=147026 The head line reads " Rose: Bryant not quite yet in Jordan's class." Not only was that not what Jalen Rose said, he actually said the opposite, at least that's what was written! Jalen actually put Kobe in the same class with MJ! What is it about this generation of columnist, that they feel responsible to MJ for protecting his lordship by blasting anyone who smells like they may get close to his throne! Especially Kobe! This is Salem Massachusetts witch slayings all over again! " you are after the throne, arent you, Kobe? All he want's to do is win, have fun and play basketball! Why, must hundreds of men get paid big money to be like little boys on the playground talking about " my daddy can beat your daddy, cause my daddy can lift 4 million pounds." My hat goes off to Steve Kerr, if anyone should be bias it should be him, and he covered Kobe's latest events with journalistic integrity!
Posted by: M&M | January 26, 2006 at 10:44 AM
“I just try to be an inspiration to our youth. Not to be perfect or to do everything by the book or try to please everybody, just to be yourself. You go through life's trials and tribulations and just try to grow as a person and you just try to learn from them. You just try to be who you are and try to be better than the person that you were yesterday.
”That's what I stand for and that's what I try to do and that's how I try to inspire youth.
- Kobe Bryant (as told to Roggin in interview in 1520)
Thanks for sharing Simers. BTW, I did not include your comments after the above. They were stupid. You're a moron.
Very well said, Kobe! More power to you, man! We love you!
Posted by: Edgar Jamesol | January 26, 2006 at 10:53 AM
Getting a coach fired, Getting players traded or atleast not fighting to keep them, Not offering to take a pay cut to bring in more players, Barking at players during timeouts when they have meesed up, Brawling with players during and after practices, Being caught in an extra-marital affair which was made public......I could go on, but I will stop there.
If you saw that on a resume, whose name would you expect to find at the top???? Kobe Bryant? Guess again.
MICHAEL JORDAN.......I BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW THAT.
After failing to make it out of the East and into the Finals, MJ is the one that is believed to have given the orders to fire Doug Collins for Phil Jackson. MJ is the one that didn't fight to keep Horace Grant, not offering to take a pay cut to help offset the lack of salary the Bulls were willing to give Mr. Grant. MJ is the one that can be seen on Classic Sports games barking out orders to the guys during timeouts of the most crucial games. MJ is the one that has been spoken of by Steve Kerr most recently for their brawls during practice. MJ is the one that was on the verge of divorse because a long time affair was brought to the light during his stint in DC with the Wizards. MJ is the one that chose to retire because he wanted to....then chose to return because HE wanted to....then chose to retire because HE wanted to....then chose to return because he wanted to....then chose to retire again because HE couldn't compete on a level he felt he had to in order to stay any longer.
My question to all of you is simple....How can one man be praised for doing the same, if not worse than that of another man? I do not intend to degrade MJ, however, either Kobe should be raised some, or MJ should be lowered. Is it not vain and selfish to retire 3 times from the NBA? You can't tell me that the reason why Kobe is treated so bad is because he mentioned Shaq's name to the police. He was disliked long before that ever happened. Plus, that information was not made public until the summer after that season......he was booed and criticized that whole season prior.
Just something to think about it.
Posted by: JJ | January 26, 2006 at 11:01 AM
T J Simmers is a Troll. He makes his comments against Kobe just to get his name out there. He is 100x more selfish than Kobe.
Kobe is a role model! Kids can see that people aren't perfect, and need to try harder when they fail. Please! I would much rather have my kid look up to Kobe than Shaq.
Nice article TJ, we should ship your sorry !@#$!@ up to sac town.
Posted by: frank Rizzo | January 26, 2006 at 11:02 AM
I heard this topic discussed briefly on the radio yesterday and wanted to hear your thoughts.
If Kobe Bryant was not on this Laker team, how many games would they win this season and would they threaten the all time low for wins (9)?
Posted by: Andrew Z | January 26, 2006 at 11:04 AM
With Kobe's high offensive cappabilities, I hope Mitch concentrates on drafting defensive minded players.
How come the Sixers always pick-up good shot blockers?
Mutumbo
Theo Ratliff
Now, Dalembert.
But, Chris Mihm is not bad either.
Posted by: hardcoreLaker | January 26, 2006 at 11:11 AM
Here’s an excerpt from Chad Ford’s chat today on ESPN Insider. I thought it was an interesting comment, and as much as I wouldn’t like to think it’s true or someone being a Kobe-hater, I feel there is some truth to it. Although, as I discussed with a buddy last night. A bunch of those 46 shots came in the last 3 minutes or so when the game was decided and they new he was chasing a record. Before that we were getting rocked and the team needed him. Also, was it just me or did it seem like a “quiet” 81? Here’s the comment:
Bill Simmons recently opined that Kobe's teammates seem joyless and unexcxited by Kobe's ball-hogging ways. What do you think?
Chad Ford: Let's just put it this way. I was talking to a former NBA player who now works for an NBA team and here's what he said his reaction would've been had he been Kobe's teammate on the night he scored 81 points and took 46 shots. "I would've told all the reporters in the locker room that it was an amazing performance and that I was proud of him. Then, once they all left, I would've punched him in the face. Basketball is a team game. I'm not just running up and down the floor to get a better view of Kobe shooting it." So ... yes, I'm sure guys like Lamar Odom aren't thrilled.
Posted by: Andrew Z | January 26, 2006 at 11:14 AM
My thoughts:
1. All this Kobe-bashing is good - cuz, in Kobe's words, he's going to use this as "fuel" to get even better. As he's already said, the only way to shut the h@ters up is with his play on the court. In a nutshell, the chances of Kobe relaxing after dropping his career high [though I hope not] are getting slimmer with every negative post.
2. Jalen was right. But so is the fact that Kobe is only entering the prime of his career. So, let's give him time. By the time he's done - and I hope that's not for another 8 years atleast - all this colorado/shaq stuff will be so old that people won't be able to remember anything.
3. Luol Deng - I agree that he's the right sort of guy in Phil's system, but I don't think he *and* LO need to be on the same team.
4. We need a power player. a PF to guard the bigs in the league, and LO's not good enough.
5. Please don't trade Mihm. Mihm + Bynum => we don't have to worry about the Center position for another, oh, 15 years.
6. Colorado - KB8 is not the only one who has ever committed the sin of adultery, especially not in the NBA. By no means am I absolving him of anything, but when people bring up Colorado it's almost like he killed someone. It was his tough luck that the woman in question was a nut job - that's my opinion and I'm entitled to it. As a matter of further proof look at Isiah and his present dilemna. But people talk about Kobe as if he's a convicted r@pist
7. Shaq - He gets all the praise for patching up things with Kobe. It's like he initiated things. Sure - more than a year after Kobe tried it and was rebuffed. I would commend Kobe on being a bigger man for: 1. trying to patch things up 2. Not getting worked up when they didn't 3. Forgetting everything when sense/Bill Russel finally dawned on Big Baby.
8. Shaq II - What a phony. First he says all is good between him and Kobe, and then talks about demanding 50 shots to one-up Kobe. Competitive spirit? Sure. But atleast congratulate the kid on what he did. And have the b@lls to say it out aloud!
9. Shaq III - Isn't what he's doing with Wade [deferring to the younger guard] exactly what Kobe wanted him to do? Isn't this what Laker management wanted him to do? Age gracefully, let the younger player run the team, and then take over when the playoffs are here?
10. Shaq/Kobe/Phil - Much has been said about KB8 dismantling the dynasty. So you're Kobe, you know how good you are [and the events of the last couple of months are proof enough] - good enough to carry an entire team on your shoulders. Not that you want to, but that's how good you are. You are being asked to subjugate your talent and game to fit in with an aging, injury-prone center who wants the game to run through him all the time. Wouldn't *you* want to get out and see just what you're capable of? With a crew of young, hungry players who will run with you all day and play D [which is what he thought he would get with the Clippers] ?
Posted by: hariyahu | January 26, 2006 at 11:23 AM
Our public's absolute slavish love affair with Michael Jordan shows what a bunch of puppets most people are.
Jordan was a phenomenal player (who if I remember correctly was also accused of being with underage women/statutory rape after his latest retirement), but he was no saint.
He was MADE a saint by Nike, Gatorade, and that lousy Bugs Bunny movie he was in.
He starred in a lot of great commercials, which for most Americans is enough to assume that he is also a quality human being.
Americans hate to have their saints humanized. We are, in the end, idolators. It's quite repulsive.
Kobe is human. I appreciate him for that.
Michael Jordan is not human and I despise him for that, but not as much as I despise those who slavishly worship him.
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | January 26, 2006 at 11:26 AM
Nice post, JJ.
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | January 26, 2006 at 11:27 AM
One more thing -
On Kobe ratting out Shaq to the cops:
Yes he did, and shouldn't have. But *he didn't know* that he was being secretly taped. He thought that the cops were there to help him. It's like you are talking to a friend and don't have to be politically correct all the time. How many of us have said the stupidest things in private assuming that they would never make it to the outside?
And btw, what does it say about Shaq? Yep, none of my business. But if we can denigrate Kobe for being an adulterer, we can do it to Shaq too :)
Posted by: hariyahu | January 26, 2006 at 11:35 AM
Food For Thought~
Out of curiousity I decided to do a little research on MJ to see how his shot selection changed when the team started winning titles. What I found was a little interesting. MJ shot roughly the same number of shots during the championship years as he did during the other years. What changed was the number of free throws and the number of 3-pointers.
Some would have us believe that he shot less, but that's not true.
The truth is that it wasn't really MJ that controlled to offense, it was Pippen. If he had not been there to distribute the ball around, the team would not have looked half as cohesive and Jordan would have still be firing those shots. IF Lamar ever gets to the point where he consistently distributes the ball as he is expected to do, the Lakers will look fluid and Kobe won't be considered a ball hog.
Posted by: JJ | January 26, 2006 at 11:38 AM
Hey, the other 11 had into the third quarter to take the game by the throat and were just letting the Raptors kick their rear ends. What I saw was a disgusted Kobe saying through his shots and body language that he was going to take ownership of the game for better or worse. There have been many games like it over the years where it has been for worse, but I always appreciate Kobe's willingness to take that responsibility.
After the debacle in Sacto and a brutal 7 game trip coming up, I don't think it's a stretch to say this was one of the most important moments of the season. The other 11 should have carried him to the locker room, not punch him.
Bottom line is that what Kobe is doing is almost impossible: He is outperforming a max contract.
Posted by: Jman449 | January 26, 2006 at 11:39 AM
Kobe to Chad Ford:
Even before you can think of coming up to me and punching me, I would have thrashed the living daylights out of you for shooting something like 4-18. If your sorry @rse could put the ball in the bucket, I wouldn't *have* to haul my @rse up and down trying to do your scoring for you. How can you even *look* at my face, let alone think about punching it.
Posted by: hariyahu | January 26, 2006 at 11:41 AM
Reading through the many "comments" posted, this one (by Ron, 1/26/06)caught my attention and I think, summarized the whole KOBE issue:
"...Kobe still brings it to the court night in and night out. From that, he gets his respect from those who truly love and respect him and that's family and fans."
Right on Ron! KOBE does brings it on night in and night out. And I'm one of many who appreciate and respect him for that.
To those who keep saying that basketball is a "team" sport and not "individual" competition, in their effort to belittle Kobe's "81" game, they're absolutely correct! It is a team game. And when a team is down, one (or more) member of the team should rise up and carry the load! That's what a team is all about.
Posted by: Dan | January 26, 2006 at 11:45 AM
Jon Kavulic,
I read your post...I agree. I would like to add one more thing about MJ. He is a compulsive gambler that has repeatedly gambled away more than is reasonable even for someone of his financial stature.
How can someone with all of that be praised while Kobe is criticize?
Another thing....do you notice that during all of this talk, MJ has not come forward to make a public statement about his feelings? I think it's because he knows that Kobe has exceeded him as a player already. For those basing success simply on championships, Robert Horry would be considered equal to Jordan and ahead of Magic and Bird since he has 6 championships.
Posted by: JJ | January 26, 2006 at 11:46 AM
How about putting Kobe on a different team, maybe some of the bad teams? Will he make the team better?
Portland - few big men defensively in the roster.
Kings - Along Artest ,Bibby & Miller. Forget the Suns.
My dream Team: KB & KG and the three other guys. Two athletic and hardworking players on both ends of the court.
Teams that can't use him.
Detroit - too balance
Spurs - won 3 rings w/o him
Heat - Nah! Too much drama. But, Wade and Kobe in the same team, that will be Entertainment.
The others - They already have the Same type player like Kobe. But, not killers.
Posted by: hardcoreLaker | January 26, 2006 at 11:47 AM
Im not sure if anyone caught this link a yesterday.
http://hoopshype.com/columns/kobe_lazenby.htm
This is a new ROLAND LAZENBY Article.
Check out what TEX Says about MJ.
" Winter has long observed that both Jordan and Bryant, because of their incredible ability and ruthless competitive natures, were not entirely popular with teammates.
“Michael, though, was a lot harder on his teammates than Kobe,” Winter offered. “Michael could come down really hard on them at times.”
Jordan once explained to me that he had to be hard on his teammates, to find out which ones could step up when the pressure hit the high side.
The basketball public seemed to love Jordan’s competitiveness, while that same public seems to begrudge a similar trait in Bryant.
Bryant’s answer to that conundrum is that he doesn’t care. “I’m going to let my play do the talking,” he told me.
I remember all the crap articles written about kobe and how he treats his teammates. After reading this my respect for Kobe has increased 100 fold.
Posted by: GMac | January 26, 2006 at 11:57 AM
hariyahu,
Kobe is not hated for being an adulterer. In fact, no one but a few women and sponsors really care about that. What he is hated for is 'ratting' on Shaq, and his perceived break up of the Lakers.
Everyone knows that most of the NBA players see girls on the side, that's why Doug Christie and the few religious players stick out so. They are the exception, not the rule.
But it's guy code to not tell on another guy, and that's what Kobe did. I think Kobe's a great player, I love watching him play, I think he will, with the help of management and Phil Jackson, win more championships.
Regardless of how many championships he wins, he won't erase those thoughts from people's minds. And really, should it?
I mean, why should being able to put a ball through a hoop mean one is a nice guy, or even a role model?
One can be the greatest business man in the world, and still be an ass, and people don't blink. But if you're a basketball player, you're expected to be the perfect human being.
I think people should realize that Kobe is history in the making, and they should sit back and enjoy. I think the Laker management should be disappointed that they put together a team with so little talent as to need for one player to score 81 to win a game against a bad team. I think we should all realize that a person's personal life is just that personal, and bears little on one's professional work.
Posted by: alex | January 26, 2006 at 12:03 PM
JJ,
The point is Championships when you are the MAIN GUY!
Posted by: Zen | January 26, 2006 at 12:11 PM
JJ,
Yeah, that's right. Jordan was by multiple accounts a gambling addict who often fell into the wrong crowd. Does anyone remember when Jordan's Dad was kipnapped and killed? Isn't it a bit of an odd coincidence that this guy who's a gambling addict for big stakes with non-legal gambling (he wasn't gambling at Vegas or Atlantic City, he was gambling with bookies and whatnot) and has a huge hard-headed ego, suddenly has his Dad kidnapped and killed?
Doesn't that sound a little out of the ordinary? A little too coincidental?
At the same time, isn't the mob known for kidnapping people when people don't pay their debts?
Hmmm...
This is something I've thought a lot about with Saint Jordan.
I can't believe our society idolizes this guy as more than a basketball player. He was a phenomenal player, one of the best, but I don't want to be like Mike.
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | January 26, 2006 at 12:16 PM
I either read it on ESPN, LA Times or LA daily news, that Phil Jackson said Kobe wasn't the reason he didn't come back, he said Dr. Buss told them that they wanted Kobe but not Shaq and Phil said he couldn't agree with that so he left.
The one thing I will continue to say is the truth is the truth regardless of people's perception about the truth:
1. Kobe Bryant scored 81 points. Points that were scoring within the flow of the game and the Lakers won the game.
2. Without Kobe's scoring, defense, energy, the Lakers would have lost to the Raptors easily.
3. Kobe Bryant is being crucified by some sports writers, sports commentators, judgemental people and just negative individuals for the troubles in his personal life and not his skills as a professional basketball player, because if he was simply judged on his basketball skills, dedication to the game and dedication to improving his skills, there could be no true argument against his greatness as a basketball player.
4. There are very few if any players in the NBA who possess the physical stamina to do what Kobe Bryant did when he scored 81 points. His physical conditioning is excellent and he still has minor injuries.
5. Kobe Bryant is the best player (we are not talking about best team) in the NBA today bar none.
6. Kobe Bryant will win at least 2 more championships post Shaq because he's driven, skilled enough and hungry enough to do so and the Laker Organization is dedicated to winning therefore they will make the moves necessary to make the next championship run possible.
7. When Kobe Bryant retires he will be considered one of the greatest to ever play the game.
A true statement does not require agreement to be true. These statements are true whether anyone or everyone agrees with them or not.
Posted by: A Fan of the Cheese | January 26, 2006 at 12:19 PM
Is this the Wilt Chamberlian blog? I'm a Wilt fan, I got to see or listen to that 33 game winning streak. I love Kobe but Wilt is the measuring stick and always will be.
I agree with some of the comments from some of the coaches that Kobe's 81 pointer is greater that Chamberlians 100 pointer because the way it happened.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | January 26, 2006 at 12:21 PM
Kobe missed the point in Vince's comment which is not that surprising given how he's unfairly demonized by the media and fans. I wouldn't mind if Kobe apologized to Vince for misunderstanding him. These things happen. And yes, apologize despite Vince being absolutely the wrong person to have any credibility talking about the word team (though I do forgive him some for trying to force a trade off the Raptors). Vince is only human.
I don't see why Kobe can't be a role model for some things and not for others. His work ethic is tremendous--how can you not respect that? His focus and execution are similarly impressive. He's like a model for how to become great.
He says many of the right things and backs up a lot of it with action. It's true he wants to become the best player in the NBA ever, but he really does understand the need for a team and the importance of a W above all else.
Guy makes a mistake, mans up and admits it publicly when he has other ways that he can deal with the problem. Admittedly, it is hard to tell how much legal strategy motivated his actions. His image may be marred, but he was found innocent and it all looked extremely ambiguous at best as far as any guilt.
I hope he does apologize to Shaq for blurting out his name, but it was seriously unethical, not to mention (four letter word, rhymes with click) for the cops to let out what he told them.
Full picture? Guy that works his ass off to be the best, which sometimes goes against rock star culture of NBA and NBA comraderie, says the right things, does most of the right things even off the court, is improving on court in decision-making, and has such skills there's a different set of rules for evaluating his play.
Posted by: Benjamin | January 26, 2006 at 12:36 PM
Kobe Bryant just can not win with the sports world right now. That's fine. But I expect more from LA Times writers. TJ Simmers's latest article asking Kobe Bryant to stay quiet and just play basketball is absolutely ridiculous. He criticizes Bryant's comments as insincere, leaving Kobe with two options: Kobe can either 1) come out and say he plays basketball for selfish reasons or 2) stay silent and not speak to reporters. If both options lead to criticism, what's a basketball player to do? It's one thing to not like Kobe. It's another to back him into a corner and get angry at him for being there.
Besides, when was the last time TJ Simmers wrote anything substantive. He barely manages semi-quippy one-liners.
Posted by: Michael | January 26, 2006 at 12:38 PM
KOBE BRYANT IS THE BEST PLAYER IN THE GAME TODAY
81 POINTS IS UNBELIEVABLE
NO ONE WILL EVER SCORE MORE THAN THAT EVER I REPEAT
ENOUGH SAID,
WE NEED TO GET BACK ON TRACK GUYS! Lakers LONGEST 7 game road Trip OF THE SEASON IS HERE
why hasn't anyone worried?
this could really help or damage their record tremendously!
Posted by: Kev | January 26, 2006 at 01:00 PM
its sad the way kobe gets a bad rap for everything he does. its true that if someone other than kobe hit for 81, they would be praised. i watched the game. i saw kobe pass to teammates in the first half. they missed their shots. kobe was hitting his. isnt there a saying where if a guy gets hot, you milk him until he's dry? i honestly dont understand where everyone is getting the ammunition to continue to dog on kobe for his offensive outburst against toronto. they were down by 18. kobe single-handedly brought them back. how many times has michael taken it upon himself to take every shot possible to bring the bulls back from a deficit? how many times has he been praised for that? it makes me sick when people call kobe a ballhog or a selfish player who is only looking out for his own interests. i honestly believe that kobe would do anything to WIN. if everyone else were able to hit their jumpshots or finish layups, or if kwame learned how to dunk, kobe would gladly average 20 pts and take less shots. kobe's a winner and he only cares about the W at the end of the night. thats not to say he's a gary payton or a michael finley where they just jump onto a title contender.
the debates about whos night was greater when compared to wilt, and who was better at which age compared to mj will go on and on. why not just appreciate what kobe did and move on. im wondering why nobody is criticizing wilt's 100 when it was obvious the team sabotaged the game just to get wilt as many touches as possible. im wondering why nobody is criticizing everyone else's 60-70pt games when they were towards the end of their respective seasons and they were shooting for scoring titles. if thats not selfish, i dont know what is.
Posted by: Lefty | January 26, 2006 at 01:07 PM
If you focus on the negative, then that is all you will see.
Within a 2 year span -
The Lakers disbanded - Kobe's fault per LA media, and AP
Shaq got traded - Kobe fault per Shaq, LA media and AP
Malone quit the Lakers - Kobe's fault per Malone, LA media and Malone's agent.
Phil "the con" Jackson Labelled him uncoachable - Kobe's fault per Phil
Laker miss the play-offs - Kobe's fault per La media and AP.
Fishy lady with Fishy history makes Fishy claim supported by Fishy sherrif and in Fishy twist refuses to testify - Kobe's fault per fresh water and salt water fish currently resident in God knows where.
Kobe buy's wife $4 million ring - Per (HOW IN GOD'S NAME DID THIS STORY GET OUT? I MEAN WHAT HAPPENED THE STORE ANNOUNCED THE PURCHASE? ) LA media
So you see the only thing that has not gone wrong for Kobe in the past two years was "A bloody knife and white bronco chase".
God help this country - If we are not the most Hypocritical Bastrads on the face of the earth...
Oh well Ocho plays tommorow, all is well again.
The Fear.
Posted by: The Troll | January 26, 2006 at 01:09 PM